Emma Seiler (1821–1886) was one of the first science-informed singing pedagogues, and her framework for understanding vocal registration influenced generations of pedagogues. In this presentation, we use linear source–filter theory to analyze Seiler’s 164-year-old vowel recommendations for training the soprano voice. Practical pedagogical considerations of Seiler's work will be discussed.

Objective: To examine the vowel-harmonic relationships in Seiler's 164-year-old treatise on training the soprano voice, using modern linear source-filter theory.

Methods: In silico study. IPA transcriptions of Seiler's vowels are generated. Average formant values for these values are taken from Hillenbrand et al. Musical pitches from Seiler’s texts (A4 = 440 Hz) are plotted with their harmonics. Formants/resonances (fR1 and fR2) from Seiler’s “optimal” vowels are analyzed for harmonic-vowel interactions.

Results: Seiler's recommendations favor fR1 tracking of 2f0/H2 prior to the passaggio. After C5, fR1 tracks 1f0/H1 until B-flat5 at which time the vowel's second resonance appears to predominate.

Conclusion: Kathy Kessler Price compared Seiler’s registration theories to the modern work of Titze, Sundberg, and Thurman. In several cases, Kessler Price found astonishing point-for-point agreement between these sources. Emma Seiler’s work is remarkably prescient and relevant to our contemporary understanding of the singing voice.